I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some regular aches and pains in my hard-working joints. Probably 15 years ago, I experienced some angry, shooting pain in my left knee. As a marathoner, Mountaineer and active outdoor girl, I was a confirmed overdoer!
As reluctant as I was to stop my healthiest addiction – running – I stopped running on pavement and reignited my hiking passion. The results included: trip to the orthopedist, no knee surgery, no more pain. I just had to adhere to the old adage, “If it hurts, don’t do it!”
Of course, not every joint issue is that simple and, indeed, this getting older is not for the faint of heart. So, what can we do to help manage basic arthritis?
A recent Harvard Medical blog listed several suggestions. First, it recommended that people tap into expert information. Make sure you are taking the right meds and work with an OT or PT to find safe, comfortable ways to move your body through daily activities.
Here are some tips on how to go easy the joints:
Keep moving. Avoid holding one position for too long. When working at a desk, for example, get up and stretch every 15 minutes.
Minimize the stress on your joints. Avoid positions or movements that put extra stress on joints. For example, opening a tight lid can be difficult if you have hand arthritis. One solution is to set the jar on a cloth, lean on the jar with your palm, and turn the lid using a shoulder motion.
Discover your strength. Use your strongest joints and muscles to your advantage. For example, to protect finger and wrist joints, push open heavy doors with the side of the arm or shoulder.
Plan ahead. Simplify life as much as possible. Eliminate unnecessary activities (for example, buy clothing that doesn’t need ironing). Organize work and storage areas; store frequently used items within easy reach.
Use labor-saving items and adaptive aids. In the kitchen, use electric can openers and mixers. In the bathroom, cut down on scrubbing by using automatic toilet bowl cleaners and, in showers or tubs, spray-on mildew remover.
Make other home modifications. Using casters on furniture can make housecleaning easier. Make sure your bed is at the right height so it is easy to get in and out of. Putting a bathing stool in the tub or shower is a good idea for people who have arthritis in the legs.
Ask for help. Achieve a balance by educating family members and friends about your arthritis and the limitations it imposes and enlisting their support. Ask for help with specific tasks.
